ACTING OUT AGAINST SEXUAL ASSAULT

Marine Corps deploys civilian performers to ensure message gets out

Military sexual assault training probably won’t deter a serial rapist, but “I think focusing more on alcohol would help in some instances,” he said.

Many of his friends “didn’t realize you can’t get consent with alcohol, because of the culture we live in kind of promotes that type of lifestyle where you just drink and hook up with people,” he said.

The long, hard-drinking heritage of the sea services dating to the Marine Corps’ founding in a bar compounds the problem, he conceded: “It’s just how some people cope with extreme situations, unfortunately.”

Bystander duty

The Marine Corps, which has the youngest force and the smallest proportion of females, had the highest rate of unwanted sexual contact last year, according to the Pentagon.

“Douchebag rapists like David are making us look bad. Most men aren’t rapists,” Zerante said. “The Marines, they brought us in here to get your help … and keep our community safe.”

It is the duty of every service member to protect others from sexual assault, they are taught.

If someone gets out of hand, tell your buddy to stand down, call a bouncer, or ask a group of women to organize an immediate group bathroom break, they recommended.

Don’t look the other way, the presenters said, crossing their arms and barricading their groin areas in a memorable closing move: “…-block it!” or “…-dam” it up.